2019 Hartford Court Pinot Noir MacLean's Block
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The 2019 Pinot Noir MacLean's Block is laced with hints of crushed flowers, mint, sweet dried cherry, cedar and pipe tobacco. This is one of the more understated, mid-weight wines in the lineup. The aromatics are quite expressive today. Best of all, the 2019 will drink well with minimal cellaring. A touch of whole clusters works quite well here.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Sourced from a vineyard named after Don and Jennifer Hartford’s son, MacLean and located east of the town of Occidental on a gentle east-facing slope, the 2019 Pinot Noir MacLean's Block commands your attention with forward aromatics of dark mineral earth, Amarena cherry, cedar, and baking spice. One of the only Russian River Valley wines where some whole cluster is used, its structure is more powerful and well-balanced within its larger, more firmly tannic framework. Drink 2024-2042. A part of the Kendall-Jackson family, Hartford Court was established by Don and Jennifer Hartford, whose first vintage was 1994. They began with two vineyard designated wines, and today they have expanded to include 36 single vineyard wines, dedicated to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Jeff Stewart, the general manager and winemaker since 2011, and Tiaan Lordan, who has been with the estate since 2010, share the role as winemakers today.
Matured 16 months in 33% new French oak, the 2019 Pinot Noir MacLean's Block has a medium ruby-purple color and layered scents of strawberry, blueberry and raspberry with tones of iron, mushrooms, moss and tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied palate is firm and powerful with intense, broody fruits, bright bursts of acidity and a very long, mineral-driven finish. It deserves plenty more bottle time to unwind. 211 cases were made.